Africa 2007 Itinerary - Namibia

Washington, D.C., to Johannesburg, South Africa — Thursday January 11

We left in the afternoon and flew with South Africa Airways from Dulles nonstop to Johannesburg. The flight lasted over fifteen hours.

Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia — Friday January 12

We arrived in Johannesburg in the afternoon and took a three-hour connecting flight to Windhoek. In the evening, we settled into the CGE house.

Windhoek — Saturday January 13

In the morning we toured Windhoek and learned about the city's history. We saw the Old Location, or Katatura, which was a Black Township before independence. Then we went to the squatter settlements that have emerged since independence.

In the evening we had class time with Furman professors.

Windhoek — Sunday January 14

In the morning, Caleb Rutledge made a presentation about HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Caleb's presentation was based on his independent research. Each student had to complete independent research on a topic of their choice in the six months before departure. During the trip, each student made a 20-minute presentation of their findings to the group and then fielded questions. Caleb's presentation was the first of 31 of these that we heard throughout the trip.

Jen Holden later made a presentation about the nature of US policy towards South Africa's apartheid regime in the 1980s.

Kristen Capogrossi then explained the political and economic reasons for Botswana's success.

Afterwards, Professor Kerina and spoke about the formation of SWAPO and Namibia's path towards independence.

In the afternoon we took a reading quiz.

Windhoek — Monday January 15

In the morning we embarked upon Katatura Quest with local guides. Katatura Quest was a tour of the Katatura township with local guides.

The students split into groups of three or four to talk with local people, visit stores, and find out about daily life in the township. The guides were local residents of Katatura, most of them about the same age as our students.

In the afternoon we reflected on our experiences in Katatura.

Windhoek — Tuesday January 16

In the morning we listened to a lecture by Dr. Ching about the source of global inequalities.

In the afternoon we spoke to Eric Benjamin, a State Department Officer from the U.S. Embassy on economic affairs in Namibia.

Windhoek — Wednesday January 17

Neca spoke about how successful South Africa has been in addressing poverty and whether the country had other policy options.

Anna presented on the nature and politics of land reform in South Africa since 1994.

Pete explained the causes of South Africa's foreign policy transition in the mid-1990s.

Afterwards we went to Hero's Acre, which is a monument site on the outskirts of Windhoek. The site is dedicated to the victory of Namibia's liberation struggle. We took the opportunity to discuss the relationship between historical memory and national identity construction. Our improptu classtime analyzed the importance of the narratives that nations and their leaders tell people as to how nationalistic identities become forged.

After lunch we went to Catholic AIDS Action in Katatura.

In the evening, students went to homestays.

Windhoek — Thursday January 18

In the morning we listened to a presentation, "The San people in Namibia," in the office of the Prime Minister.

After lunch we talked to Dr. Kandando of SWANU, Southwest African National Union, the main opposition political party in Namibia.

In the evening we returned to homestays.

Windhoek — Friday January 19

We went to Tabitha Old Age Home to talk to residents about Namibian history and their life experiences.

Stephanie Bass spoke about the geopolitics and economics of antiretroviral drugs.

Chris Schoen explained the military strategy of the ANC.

Jessie Koerner presented abouot the healthcare system and health issues in South Africa after apartheid.

Windhoek — Saturday January 20

We continued our service-learning projects at an orphanage in Katatura.

Jessica Taylor explained how the resistance newspapers in South Africa during the 1980s challenged government censorship and promoted apartheid.

Anna Ready made a presentation about witch hunts and why they increased in South Africa since 1994.

Jamie Schoen spoke about the origins of Afrikaner nationalism.

In the afternoon we prepared to go to Swakopmund

Windhoek — Sunday January 21

Drove to Swakopmund

Ate dinner in The Lighthouse

Swakopmund — Monday January 22

After breakfast we spoke to Mr. Freddy Kaukungua about the Swakopmund Municipality.

Afterwards we went on a tour of Swakopmund and saw Mondesa, DRC, a school, Tamariskia, and Vineta.

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